REGION: Owners of Rancho Guejito sue SD County

The county's new plan, however, cuts in half the several hundred
homes Rancho Guejito probably would be allowed to build. Its zoning
density dropped from 1 home per 40 acres to 1 home per 80 acres
under the new plan.

Rancho Guejito stretches nearly from Highway 76 in the north to
Highway 78 in the south, adjacent to the Cleveland National Forest
and east of Valley Center. It includes a 13,000-acre parcel that is
the last Mexican land grant in California and dates to 1845.

The land includes old adobe homes, American Indian artifacts,
running streams and high mountain territory.

Rancho Guejito has been described as "a jewel" by historians and
conservationists alike.

"(It is) probably the most inspiring piece of history in
California," said Bob Lerner, a Valley Center historian who has
written extensively about the property.

"Once you drive through the main gates, it's like stepping back
into another century ---- it is another century," he said. "It's
like California was when we were part of Mexico."

He said access to the property is extremely limited. Fences line
its perimeter, surveillance cameras and signs warning of armed
guards stand at its main gate off Guejito Road east of Lake
Wohlford.

Rupp said security is necessary to prevent poachers, trespassers
and limit fire danger.

James O'Day, the county attorney handling the lawsuit, said the
county plans to defend its newly approved General Plan Update in
court.

The corporation contends in the lawsuit that the county failed
to conduct adequate environmental reviews for the plan. O'Day,
however, said the document is "thorough" and results from years of
work by county staff and the public. More than 500 public meetings
were held on the General Plan Update, planning for which started in
1998.

O'Day said the county has not received any other lawsuits on the
General Plan Update since it was approved a month ago, noting the
deadline for such suits has passed.

No court dates are set for the lawsuit. But O'Day said the suit
"won't linger" and should be resolved in a matter of months.